On February 21, 2020, Mitchell Marsh was selected in the T20 squad for a tour of South Africa after a two-year team hiatus.
Australia collectively took a gulp at the prospect of another short-lived stint in the national team. He batted at number five and fell cheaply for 19 runs.
Fast forward 24 matches and Marsh has cemented himself as number three in the Australian line-up, been the anchor in the team on several failed away series and lifted his batting average by more than ten in the process.
Aussies love to hate talented cricketers that have never quite stepped up and fulfilled that dream role they were destined for.
And Marsh has had his fair share of ups and downs across all formats of international cricket.
(Photo by Michael Steele-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
Always burdened with the legacy of his family name and earmarked as a future great in his own right, he’ll never shake off that expectation from the public.
Rewind to Australia’s 2019 Ashes series in England where Marsh was part of the squad and only played one match in the fifth Test.
‘What is he even even doing there?’ asked many of us. ‘He doesn’t deserve to be in the squad. He’s an embarrassment. He’s a loser.’
But something was brewing in that Test series that wasn’t evident to many.
As an Ashes squad teammate, another side of Marsh was exposed in The Test documentary series, which followed the Australian team during the series.
What was highlighted and spoke about was Marsh’s role outside of the Test playing XI.
We saw him working out with his teammates, competing in drills, and offering never-ending encouragement and support from the sideline.
But most of all, we saw this curious side that stood out like a sore thumb and is the epitome of the Australian spirit: energetic, abundant good humour and larrikinism (a term that is uniquely ours).
And during an extremely tense Ashes series, this seemed to give the team a real boost in the dressing room, as was highlighted by Justin Langer during his interviews. His role was a vital part of the team’s success.
Since that reintroduction into the T20 squad, we know what has happened since.
The faith shown in him for that key a central role has been rewarded, he has shown true leadership qualities, a healthy dose of Steve Waugh style ice-man attributes in pressure situations, never-give-up attitude and form that has made the nation get behind him again.
(Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Much like Shane Watson, who had the pleasure of commentating his final push to winning us the World Cup, he has found admiration again from the entire nation.
This is his most dominant format so far and who knows where he can go from here? It’s a great Aussie comeback story.
In 2005, Australia’s Prime Minister John Howard made a speech at the 90th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing.
Those that were there will remember it as one of the most stirring of our national spirit.
He talked about the larrikinism, good humour and mateship among the best qualities of Australians that made them better than the “stock soldier”.
And while cricket is a million miles away from war, they are the same characteristics that Marsh shares and they have given him an edge that’s shone through for the national team.
While Aussie fans can be brutal at times, we can now honestly say, ‘we love you, Mitch. Thank you for exuding the spirit that we all love to see.’
U
Roar Rookie
He should be the skipper of both limited overs teams. Finch has had his time.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
You reply to me every time and each time the rest of us can see your limitations. You haven't ignored me once. Is that another concept you're struggling to grasp? "Ignore" does not mean 'to read and respond'. I get that you're embarrassed but this method isn't working for you.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
You had some very ugly and vehement opinions for someone who doesn’t care. Straight to name calling, I see. I suppose you must be still in your teens. The word is “alluded”. Don’t try adult words unless you can use them properly.
Once Upon a Time on the Roar
Roar Guru
My goodness, you are not very bright at all are you. I have replied to you two times more than normal tonight, but I am afraid it will be a case of third time unlucky should you try your luck again.
Once Upon a Time on the Roar
Roar Guru
Oh you again Drongo Don ... I could not care less about T20, I thought that was clear? As I have eluded before, you are not the most switched on light in the building now are you? :shocked:
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Have to be West Australian for that. Go Mitch!
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Good boy. Welcome back to sensible and accurate comment.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
You've been absent since Warner's success day in, day out in the WC. Any comments about your prior silliness Pale One?
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Depends on whether you include lifetime stats or stats relevant to current form.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
You have the stereotype wrong. Mitch is not a front foot player. He is outstanding as a back foot player. That is the social media red herring stuff the article addresses. You can do better, Simoc.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
He has to get back into the Tassie side. With the return of Nathan Ellis, that's even harder.
Once Upon a Time on the Roar
Roar Guru
Traditionally we do the exact opposite with Bradman.
Once Upon a Time on the Roar
Roar Guru
Well wonders never cease. Twice in the same day I'm agreeing with a comment of yours to do with cricket. Don't give up your day job though as your talent for comedy is no more than Matth's.
Simoc
Guest
It'de be epic to roll out a Mitchell Johnson type bowler for the first test of an Ashes series. I'm hoping Riley Meredith can get there one day.
Simoc
Guest
Well the whole Marsh family are very friendly creatures to everyone. Mitch has had a problem tripping over his front leg in the past but has shown now than when confident and in form he can do anything. He probably read to much social media earlier and it affected his confidence. T20 is the pre-eminent form of cricket in the World currently. It is where the money and fame are. Of course, the washed-up has-beens prefer test cricket because they have barren lives but tests are great over the holiday period when you can either be at the ground or in front of the TV for longer periods, and watch fast bowlers wreck their bodies while showboat ponies like Smith & Labuschagne demonstrate their acting skills. Sometimes you also see a great innings. As for Ozzie spirit, well it depends if you're winning or losing.
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
Nice tribute to MM, who seems to be a great team man. Will overlook the inclusion of John Howard and stirring speech in the same mention. Don’t think Marsh was overburdened with expectation because his dad was a great cricketer, more a gritty batsman and fine gully batsman. Only one top 6 batsman (apart from Mitch) has a lower average among Aussies playing more than 30 Tests in the last 100 years. Burden came from Dad being also a former coach and brother in and out of the team too.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
I reckon too much pushing and pulling for Mitchell between formats. Easy to forget he was picked for Aus in ODIs and T20s at just 19yo. That’s where he was encouraged to grow his game. – He does have five-fer in his last Test match….
Paul
Roar Guru
I wonder if Marsh, at age 30, would have been chosen now to play any formats for Australia, based on his domestic numbers? They're okay without being earth shattering. The other factor in Steve Waugh's favour, apart from the lack of competition for his spot, was his bowling. He was consistently taking wickets, especially in ODIs, which I'm sure helped him keep his spot in both formats. A Pfeiffer against the Windies and the poms must have helped.
Paul
Roar Guru
hi Matt, I hope in my reply I made it clear I was not having a dip at you. I realise from the tone of this piece, your a Mitch Marsh fan, so would hardly be likely to go all out to bag the man. As you gathered, I have a problem with the cowards on social media who attack a person they're never likely to meet. By all means criticise the failures but praise his successes and above all, leave the actual person alone.
Matt Sterne
Roar Rookie
No worries!